Hades chuckled softly. While the elders dressed their actions in the language of sacred duty, claiming their work was ordained by heaven itself, a simple human girl could see through the lie just as easily as he could. In fact, she saw through it so quickly that it was almost embarrassing.
"Do they hate you…?" Evangeline asked carefully.
Hades lifted his gaze toward her. His smile was as charming as ever, but the words he spoke next struck her heart sharply.
"No one loves me here, darling. No one." His tone was light, almost amused. "They either hate me or fear me. Those are the only two emotions people feel when they see me."
"T– That is…" Evangeline was startled by how casually he said something so self deprecating. The ease in his voice made it harder for her to respond, and she hurried to deny it. "But Apollo, he lo– likes… admires you?"
Even as the words left her mouth, she felt how awkward they sounded. Hades noticed it too and smiled faintly.
